A Jones fracture is a fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone on the outer side of the foot. This area of the bone has a relatively poor blood supply, which means healing can sometimes be slow. In some patients the fracture does not fully unite after several months. This condition is called delayed union or non union. Modern regenerative medicine treatments such as platelet rich plasma PRP can help stimulate the body’s natural healing process and improve the chance of bone healing.
PRP is a treatment prepared from the patient’s own blood. A small amount of blood is taken and processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. Platelets contain natural growth factors that help tissues repair and regenerate. When PRP is injected into the fracture area, these growth factors can stimulate bone cells, improve blood supply, and accelerate the healing response.
Several growth factors in PRP play an important role in bone healing. These include platelet derived growth factor PDGF, transforming growth factor beta TGF beta, and vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF. These biological signals stimulate bone forming cells called osteoblasts and help produce new bone matrix. PRP can also improve angiogenesis, which means forming new small blood vessels that supply the healing bone.
In cases of delayed healing of a Jones fracture, PRP can be a valuable treatment before considering surgery. It is a minimally invasive procedure and uses the patient’s own blood, which makes it very safe. Many patients experience improvement in pain and progressive bone healing after PRP treatment. In some cases one injection is enough, while in others two or three injections may be recommended depending on the healing response.
During the healing process it is also important to protect the foot. Limiting weight bearing, using a protective boot, and ensuring good levels of vitamin D and calcium can help the bone heal more effectively. When PRP is combined with proper protection of the foot, the chance of fracture union can improve significantly.
Research in orthopaedic and sports medicine increasingly supports the use of PRP for bone and soft tissue healing. Many foot and ankle specialists use PRP to stimulate healing in delayed fractures, tendon injuries, and ligament problems. For patients with a Jones fracture that is slow to heal, PRP can be an excellent option to help the bone recover and avoid surgery.
References
Marx RE. Platelet rich plasma growth factor enhancement for bone grafts. Oral Surgery Oral Medicine Oral Pathology Oral Radiology and Endodontology.
Sanchez M et al. Platelet rich plasma therapies in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Foster TE et al. Platelet rich plasma from basic science to clinical applications in sports medicine. American Journal of Sports Medicine.
Hall MP et al. Platelet rich plasma a comprehensive review of emerging evidence. American Journal of Sports Medicine.
Dr. Ali has prepared this article.
Jones fracture and PRP treatment explained for patients
A Jones fracture is a break in the bone on the outer side of the foot. This type of fracture sometimes heals slowly because that part of the bone does not have a strong blood supply. In some people the bone takes longer to heal or may not fully unite after several months.
PRP treatment can help stimulate the body’s natural healing ability. PRP stands for platelet rich plasma. It is made from a small sample of your own blood. The blood is processed to concentrate healing cells called platelets. These platelets release natural growth factors that help repair bone tissue.
The PRP is injected directly around the fracture area. This injection helps stimulate bone healing, increase blood supply to the bone, and support the body’s natural repair process. Many patients experience improvement in healing after PRP treatment.
The procedure is simple and usually takes a short time. Because the injection uses your own blood, it is considered a very safe treatment. In many cases one or two injections are enough to stimulate healing.
While the bone is healing, it is important to reduce pressure on the foot and use a protective boot when advised. Good vitamin D and calcium levels also help the bone heal stronger.
PRP treatment has been used for many years in orthopaedic medicine and sports injuries. It is now widely used to help bones, tendons, and ligaments heal naturally.
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